The Desire of Ages (Revised Edition) by E G White

Absorbed in their efforts to save themselves, they had forgotten that Jesus was on board. Now,
seeing their labour vain and only death before them, they remembered at whose command they had set
out to cross the sea. In Jesus was their only hope. In their helplessness and despair they cried, “Master,
Master!” But the dense darkness hid Him from their sight. Their voices were drowned by the roaring
of the tempest, and there was no reply. Doubt and fear assailed them. Had Jesus forsaken them? Was
He who had conquered disease and demons, and even death, powerless to help His disciples now? Was
He unmindful of them in their distress?
Again they call, but there is no answer except the shrieking of the angry blast. Already their boat
is sinking. A moment, and apparently they will be swallowed up by the hungry waters. Suddenly a
flash of lightning pierces the darkness, and they see Jesus lying asleep, undisturbed by the tumult. In
amazement and despair they exclaim, “Master, carest Thou not that we perish?” How can He rest so
peacefully, while they are in danger and battling with death? Their cry arouses Jesus. As the lightning’s
glare reveals Him, they see the peace of heaven in His face; they read in His glance self-forgetful,
tender love, and, their hearts turning to Him, cry, “Lord, save us: we perish.”
Never did a soul utter that cry unheeded. As the disciples grasp their oars to make a last effort,
Jesus rises. He stands in the midst of His disciples, while the tempest rages, the waves break over them,
and the lightning illuminates His countenance. He lifts His hand, so often employed in deeds of mercy,
and says to the angry sea, “Peace, be still.” The storm ceases. The billows sink to rest. The clouds roll
away, and the stars shine forth. The boat rests upon a quiet sea. Then turning to His disciples, Jesus
asks sorrowfully, “Why are ye fearful? have ye not yet faith?” Mark 4:40, R.V.
A hush fell upon the disciples. Even Peter did not attempt to express the awe that filled his heart.
The boats that had set out to accompany Jesus had been in the same peril with that of the disciples.
Terror and despair had seized their occupants; but the command of Jesus brought quiet to the scene of
tumult. The fury of the storm had driven the boats into close proximity, and all on board beheld the
miracle. In the calm that followed, fear was forgotten. The people whispered among themselves, “What
manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”
When Jesus was awakened to meet the storm, He was in perfect peace. There was no trace of
fear in word or look, for no fear was in His heart. But He rested not in the possession of almighty
power. It was not as the “Master of earth and sea and sky” that He reposed in quiet. That power He
had laid down, and He says, “I can of Mine own self do nothing.” John 5:30. He trusted in the Father’s
might. It was in faith—faith in God’s love and care—that Jesus rested, and the power of that word
which stilled the storm was the power of God.
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